About the workshop
Kathmandu University (KU), Western Sydney University (WSU), and not-for-profit organizations (NFPOs) in Nepal have been working to foster cultural exchange and build research capacity through internships that focus on gender, education, water, environmental sustainability, democracy, and transparency. Our Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) has been involved in strengthening this collaboration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) since 2018. To consolidate the experiences, reflect on the lessons learnt, and provide training for future exchange, we are organizing an in-person workshop at ICIMOD on 10 March 2022. A virtual session, scheduled for 4 March 2020, will precede the physical event. A detailed agenda for the workshop will be defined based on the inputs receiving during the virtual meeting.
Expected outputs include a web-based resource with informational videos for Nepali NFPOs on how to build cultural awareness and organizational expectations when working with donors and the international community. Specific deliverables include a website and a video illustrating key capacity-building interventions and messages related to working with international students; developing peer-to peer intercultural learning; and enhancing intercultural competencies for Nepalis and Australians.
Expected participants
Representatives of the NFPOs who have hosted students from WSU through their placement programmes.
Target audience
Civil society groups in Nepal who support gender equality, environmental sustainability, democracy, and transparency, especially those working in the HKH region.
Outcome
NFPOs in Nepal play a crucial role in advocating equal gender rights around water and sanitation, education, as well as environmental programmes that can lead to sustainable tourism. We aim to strengthen the capacities of NFPOs in Nepal to engage in activities that will support Nepali civil society. Peer-to-peer learning from the NFPOs is also expected to create greater awareness of the needs of communities in the HKH region.
Background
Social, economic, and community sustainability is built on mutual trust and respect, co-production in research, and intercultural exchange. Through our involvement in the internship programme, we have connected several Nepali organizations with WSU students.
The project is funded by the Nepal Public Diplomacy and Australian Alumni Engagement Activities 2021–22 grant under the Australian Embassy. It is administered by KU, with additional funding provided by WSU. We facilitate project activities in partnership with the two universities.